Hammers get Grand National fever

West Ham United will head to Liverpool on Saturday ahead of their Barclays Premier League fixture the Reds the following day, but not in time to see how their horses fare in the 2013 John Smith's Grand National.

Like any workplace in the country, the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground has been swept with Grand National fever ahead of the big race at Aintree.

Kit manager Pete Williams was the man in charge of the sweepstake, with the players, coaches and backroom staff enthusiastically picking envelopes containing the names of the 40 horses taking part.

Keen horse racing fan Joey O'Brien enjoyed the luck of the Irish by pulling out 15/2 favourite On His Own, which will be ridden by the full-back's compatriot and two-time Grand National winner Ruby Walsh.

Second-favourite Seabass was pulled out by groundsman Ross Shorey, while third-favourite Colbert Station was picked by in-form midfielder Gary O'Neil.

Striker Marouane Chamakh was unfortunate enough to select the envelope containing 150/1 rank outsider Mumbles Head. The Moroccan will hope for better luck with his other selection - 50/1 shot What A Friend.